Fertility Success Stories

Fertility Success Times Two

I cannot say enough nice things about Acupuncture Denver. I struggled with infertility for almost two years before conceiving my son, and with the help of Acupuncture Denver and fertility treatment I was able to become pregnant. When I was ready to conceive my second child, I again sought the help of Acupuncture Denver along with fertility treatment. I diligently did acupuncture every week to get my body ready for the treatment. I could not believe when after three months of acupuncture I was able to conceive naturally. I credit Acupuncture Denver with helping me get pregnant, and I truly believe that I wouldn’t have been able to do this without their help.

I so looked forward to my appointments with Jane each week. Each week Jane served almost like a therapist too; she helped me de-code my blood test results and was so encouraging. Not only is Jane and her whole team amazing, but her facility is clean and comfortable.

I am so thankful I was introduced to Acupuncture Denver!

- E.L.

Acupuncture to Conceive

When my husband and I decided to start trying to have a baby, we were surprised when we were pregnant within 3 months, what started out feeling kind of like a "game" suddenly became very real. Our daughter Siena was born and our lives were full. Wanting Siena to enjoy a brother or sister, we decided to start trying for a sibling when Siena was about 1 ½. After nearly a year of trying and experiencing wildly fluctuating menstrual cycles from 30 days to nearly 80, we decided to seek help. I met with my midwife who referred me to one of the doctors in her practice. After a brief discussion of our efforts she quickly wrote a prescription for serophene (aka clomid). Needless to say, I was disappointed. When Siena entered our lives, natural living, organic foods and homeopathy also gained in popularity, importance and practice. The potential health risks, negative side effects and potential for twins due to clomid caused us great concern. Not sure what to do next, I spoke with several friends some of whom had personal success with acupuncture and several of whom knew someone who had successfully conceived after receiving treatment. So, I got on the web and consider myself very lucky to have found Jane. I've never liked needles and had never tried acupuncture or Chinese medicine. My first visit with Jane put me at ease. The needles were small, the office was tranquil and most importantly, I felt comfortable with Jane, as if I'd known her for a long time even though we had only just met. I started seeing Jane for weekly acupuncture treatments and began taking the Chinese herbs she prescribed. When I had my first period, I was thrilled. I actually completed a cycle within a reasonable amount of time and ovulated! My next cycle was shorter than the first and I felt confident that we were making progress. My third cycle was nearly a perfect textbook example. Although longer than a "normal" menstrual cycle, through charting and being aware of my body, in addition to my weekly treatments with Jane, I knew exactly when I was ovulating. Even though our "goal" had been to get regular before trying to conceive, we couldn't help ourselves and so we tried, and we were successful! I am now at 35 weeks and excited to meet our second daughter. I wonder what her personality will be like; will she be similar to Siena or very different? Will they look alike? It is an amazing experience and so much fun. Siena keeps saying to me, "Mom, I just want my baby sister NOW." I reassure her that we all want baby sister to arrive, and that she will, very soon, but 5 weeks to a three year old must seem like an eternity. I am confident that my pregnancy is directly attributable to the treatments and herbs I received from Jane and I can't wait to introduce baby sister to Jane to whom we will always be grateful.

- C.F.

Physical and Mental Tranquility

In the years I took birth control, I just assumed getting pregnant would be easy. After several months of failed attempts, I decided to do a little research. I wasn't ready to panic yet, but I soon realized that conception truly is a miracle and you have to ensure all the stars are aligned just right! After taking my temperature as the "Conception Bibles" told me to do, I suspected that I didn't have enough progesterone coursing through my system to sustain pregnancy. I wasn't prepared to begin a battery of tests. . .I was searching for a stress-free treatment. I have a sister-in-law who said she had used acupuncture when she was trying to conceive, so I thought I'd check it out. I searched for acupuncture providers on the Internet. When I found Jane's Web site and there was an emphasis on women's issues and fertility, I knew I had found the right place. From the very first phone call, I immediately sensed Jane's expertise - she was asking me some of the very things the "Conception Bibles" were indicating were imperative to get pregnant. At my first appointment, she became so much more than a fertility advisor. Her genuine sense of caring and the calm environment of her facility did wonders for me whenever I had an appointment. And wait until you get a tension-releasing head massage! WOW! I'm thrilled to report that I'm now in my fifth month of a very healthy pregnancy and feel quite sure Jane's guidance and treatment were instrumental in getting me here. And Jane's concern didn't end when she found out I was pregnant. She continues to check in periodically to see how things are going and offer words of advice. There's no doubt I'll be seeing her again when I need a compassionate health advocate in my corner.

- T.V.

Eastern and Western Medicine

My husband and I had been trying to have a baby for about 5 years. The first specialist suggested that adoption would be my only alternative. The second specialist said that I had less than a 5% chance to conceive using my own eggs. After about 4 IUIs, and nothing positive, I was told that we might only be successful in two more tries at IUI. Taking a few months off for the stress of the holidays, I did a little research on acupuncture and fertility. My specialist also suggested acupuncture. I found Jane's name and contacted her right away. We went through some basic treatments before I was to try the IUI again. When I was next scheduled for an IUI, I went to see Jane first for a treatment and then had my IUI. To my surprise, I became pregnant that time. I completely believe that had I started the acupuncture earlier with my IUI treatments, I would have been pregnant much earlier. I know that without Jane's acupuncture treatment before the IUI that day, I would not be pregnant now. Jane is also such a pleasant person and makes it so easy to enjoy acupuncture. I attribute a large percentage of my pregnancy to Jane and her acupuncture treatment. I would definitely recommend her acupuncture services to anyone trying to conceive.

- J.R.

Endometriosis

My husband and I had been trying to conceive for 2 years. I had been through a number of fertility tests and treatments before deciding to try alternative methods. After having surgery to correct endometriosis, starting a low carb diet, and exercising more I began weekly acupuncture treatments. Within 3 months I was pregnant! I am convinced that if it were not for the change in my lifestyle and the addition of alternative medicine we would still be trying to conceive. Instead I am now the mother of two beautiful children! I am convinced that your treatments had a huge effect on our success and would recommend acupuncture to anyone having difficulty trying to conceive.

- M.W.

Unexplained Ovarian Dysfunction

When I was 33, my husband and I decided we wanted to try to have a baby. I had been on birth control pills for a long time (about 14 years) so I had no idea what my “real” cycle was like. When I first went off the pill, my cycle seemed pretty normal but we weren’t having any luck. With each month that went by, my cycle got longer and more unpredictable until it was lasting up to 42 days with only light spotting. I started to worry so I decided to see a doctor (even though I hate going to the doctor). I started with a fertility specialist (endocrinologist) because I thought that’s where I would end up anyway and I didn’t want to waste any more time – I was stressed/depressed and convinced it was never going to happen. I went through fertility testing and was told that I had “unexplained ovarian dysfunction” but not to worry because they could “work around it” (essentially nothing seemed wrong so they had no idea why my cycles were messed up). The doctor wanted me to take Femara (similar to Clomid) and do an IUI – or if I wasn’t ready for the IUI, I could just start by just trying the drugs. The doctor was nice but something didn’t sit right with me – why was my body having so much trouble and is it really a good idea to “work around” my body? I decided to make an appointment with Jane – a friend of a friend was receiving treatments from Jane and gave her a glowing recommendation. I couldn’t be happier about that decision!!! After meeting with Jane for the first time, I decided to hold on to the prescription for a while and try acupuncture and herbs. I saw Jane once a week for about 4 or 5 months – only now my cycle was getting healthier and more regular with each passing month and before I knew it, I was pregnant!!! One of the best parts about seeing Jane was how it made me feel. After the first couple of treatments I started to really look forward to my visits – both because of the time I spent talking to Jane and how I felt after getting acupuncture. Before I started seeing Jane I was stressed and felt out of sorts and the treatments together with Jane’s kindness made me feel more in control and relaxed. Now that I’m pregnant (due in 6 weeks), I really miss my visits, but I know I can always contact her if I’m worried, want to come in for a treatment, or just need someone to talk to. Thanks Jane for everything you have done for me!

- V.S.

Increasing Blood Flow

While going through the invitro fertilization process, my doctor suggested I try acupuncture to increase blood flow to my uterus and increase the chance of success with the cycle. I contacted Jane Gregorie after visiting her website and began a treatment program with her. Even though I wasn't fond of needles, I found acupuncture to be very calming and relaxing. After 4 weeks of treatment, my uterine blood flow increased to the appropriate level, drastically improving my chances for success. I had two embryos implanted and am now the proud mother of two beautiful boys! I feel that treatment with acupuncture was a very important part of my success with invitro fertilization.

- D.M.

Less than 2% Chance of Conception

My fertility ‘stress test’ results came back in August of 2006. Tears poured down my cheeks as I sat in that sterile office at the fertility clinic I had been visiting for the last 4 months. The doctor told me I had less than 2% chance of conceiving with my own eggs. I was devastated and angry; angrier than I had ever been in my life. I was a healthy, physically fit, active 36-year old who ate well, didn’t take drugs or drink alcohol. I was so disillusioned & heart broken. All I wanted to do was to prove that diagnosis wrong, and with Jane’s help, did. My journey to conception and this pregnancy has changed my life and confirmed that I must always, always be true to my heart and instinct.

November of 2003 found Fred & I trying for our second child. I monitored my temperature religiously; I bought ovulation predictor kits and pregnancy tests. After 8 months, I did conceive, only to lose the pregnancy three months later. Within a few months we started to try again; this time, apprehensively, with the aid of western medicine. I met with four different doctors, endured a battery of drugs that made me emotionally and physically sick, pelvic exams, CAT scans, weekly blood work, genetic counseling and the persistent questions from family and friends…”Are you pregnant yet?”…and “How’s it going?” This was emotionally and mentally unbearable for both of us.

Finally, when I received that devastating news from the fertility clinic in August 2006, I was so completely mentally and physically exhausted from the experience that I stopped everything: the drugs, the dietary recommendations, the BBT monitoring, the ovulation predictor kits. All of it gone, done. I faded away for a bit too. I needed quiet space and time to collect and reflect on what was said, this new reality, this unbelievable diagnosis. After much prayer, meditation and thoughtful discussion, we decided to pursue foster adoption so that our first child would have a sibling.

Then, late, late one Friday night about two months later, I found myself on-line, searching for similar stories to mine. I stumbled across the Acupuncture Denver website. After reading about Jane’s treatment, I felt an immediate sense of hope and sent her an email that night, sharing my story and fertility diagnosis. Jane contacted me the following Monday and we set up an appointment to meet and talk about treatment options. She had faith and such a positive attitude about helping me that I set up weekly treatments to see if this, my last chance at attempting to conceive, would work.

Over the course of three months, I attended Jane’s Fertile Ground yoga classes, scheduled weekly acupuncture treatments, mixed herbal tonics twice a day, and made huge dietary changes. When I first started working with Jane, my cycles were totally erratic and unpredictable. We were monitoring my basal body temperature and for the first two cycles my charts were a mess. Most of my life I always had a 26 –28 day cycle, but because of all the drugs I had been subjected to over the past year, my cycles were completely out of whack. By the third cycle, it appeared that I ovulated around mid-cycle and things were beginning to change for the better.

At about 3:30 a.m. on December 6, 2006, I woke up to use the bathroom and decided to try the very last pregnancy test that was tucked way under my sink. After I took the test, I laid it face down on the counter; I really wasn’t in the mood to see another failed test. Several minutes later, I found the courage to turn it over only to find two glaring lines staring back at me. I slid down the wall and melted into a sobbing heap. Walking back into my bedroom, my husband uttered, “Honey, I am so sorry; I am so sorry.” I replied, holding out the test stick “What do you see, what does this say?” He said, “I see two lines, Peg, two lines. What does that mean?” More tears. “That means I’m pregnant, Fred.” I couldn’t go back to sleep. I was up and out of the house at 4 a.m. for a walk with our dog. I was pregnant. After 3 ½ years of trying, I was pregnant again.

Thanks to Jane for her amazing practice and abilities as an acupuncturist, the challenging dietary changes and herbal supplements, yoga and meditation, I delightfully look down at my beaming belly today and smile. Six more weeks until we get to meet this little soul that took much longer to arrive than we expected. Just six more weeks to a beautiful bundle of joy that was given less than 2% chance to arrive.

- P.A.

PCOS - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

I have PCOS and I usually have very long cycles where I get my period about every 6 weeks, if at all. When I first met Jane, I was coming off of six months of failed clomid cycles. My fertility doctor kept wanting me to increase the dose, but the last two cycles I was on clomid, I hadn’t even ovulated at all. I felt like I was banging my head against a wall and that my body and I were working against each other. Clomid made me crazy. It made me very emotional and decreased my sex drive. While I was on clomid, my relationship with my husband was very strained, which isn’t helpful when you’re trying to conceive.

I had done some acupuncture before I started working with Jane, but I felt as though my other acupuncturist was not very focused on fertility issues. Jane was so knowledgeable about fertility issues when I first met with her that I completely trusted her diagnosis and recommended treatment. She was also very warm and supportive. After going over my history, she created a treatment plan specific to my issues. I tried to do everything that Jane recommended including acupuncture once a week, taking herbs for each phase of my cycle, and going to her yoga class.

I immediately started to feel better with Jane’s treatment plan. I was in much better spirits and I did not have the same desperation about getting pregnant that I had felt for the past year. I felt as though everything would happen when it was meant to. I was so much more relaxed and my relationship with my husband improved almost immediately. I had an early setback when I got my period less than two weeks after my last period, but Jane was there to talk me through the situation. The earlier period had been induced by Provera (synthetic progesterone) so we decided that the second period was my true and natural cycle asserting itself.

The next month, I ended up ovulating on day 17 of my cycle, which was the earliest I had ever ovulated on my own. I was so excited and had such a good feeling about this cycle. Twelve days later I took a pregnancy test and it was positive!! After telling my husband and my sister, I immediately emailed Jane and thanked her profusely. I truly feel as though her treatment made the difference for me. I am now almost fourteen weeks pregnant and feeling great. I would highly recommend Jane to anyone who is experiencing fertility issues.

Advanced Maternal Age

I first tried to get pregnant when I was 41. Knowing how potentially difficult it might be to conceive at that age, I was surprised to get pregnant very quickly. However, I also knew that the risk of miscarriage was high, and unfortunately, I did miscarry. I immediately began researching if anything could be done to lower the risk of miscarriage. Egg quality was consistently identified as a main cause of miscarriage in older women, so I did research to see if there was anything that could be done to improve it. I found that acupuncture had been used successfully, and there was a considerable amount of literature on the subject. I had used acupuncture in the past for sports injuries, so I already knew that it had health benefits. I began searching for a Denver acupuncturist who specialized in fertility and reproductive issues and was lucky to find Acupuncture Denver. After speaking with Jane about my situation, I began regular visits. I found both Jane and Merry to be excellent acupuncturists, and they were also very supportive. The treatments were not painful, but were actually quite relaxing. I became pregnant again, and this time, at the age of 42, I gave birth to a wonderful, healthy baby boy. I am convinced that the acupuncture treatments I received at Acupuncture Denver were a major factor in my successful pregnancy.

- L.Y.

Unexplained Infertility

My name is Karin and I am 40 years old. I have been married to my husband, Woody for 14 years. I have three great children; Hannah (9), Theo (2) and Eli (1). Infertility has been a theme of my adult life; we have had quite a journey in creating our family of five.

In my late twenties, Woody and I tried to conceive a baby for about 18 months. We met with fertility specialists and had a full description of the roads to “cure” my infertility, starting with a Clomid regime and culminating in IVF. We looked at the odds of success, even at our relatively young age, and decided to take a different path. We adopted a beautiful baby girl from Korea and named her Hannah. After her arrival, we were a happy family of three. For seven years, I did not think about infertility, though I admit to twinges of jealousy at baby showers.

In the spring of 2007, I missed a period and just felt weird. Convinced I was entering early menopause, I took a pregnancy test “just to rule it out” before I contacted my GYN. I was pregnant. I felt that this baby was a cosmic gift, a miracle baby. All three of us were thrilled.

We expected the baby around January 17, 2008. At 14 weeks, we announced the pregnancy to our surprised families and moved to a larger house. We went for a routine ultrasound at 22 weeks and hoped to learn the gender of the baby. Instead, we were told that the baby had problems with his long bones and we were immediately referred to a perinatologist. He was diagnosed a lethal chromosome disorder, thanatophoric skeletal dysplasia. Thanatophoric is Greek for “death-bringing” and there is no treatment. There was no question that our baby’s condition was severe and that he would die from this disorder. The doctor said that the bestprognosis for our baby was a very brief and painful life. After much soul searching, we decided the most humane course for us and for our baby was to end the pregnancy. I terminated my first and only pregnancy on September 13, 2007. To this day, I am still coming to terms with that decision. The pain of this loss was incredible.

We started the doctor rounds again. The likelihood of a second pregnancy given my age and infertility was slim, we were told. We wanted a second child and weighed the odds. We decided to adopt again and began the process to adopt our son, Theo, from Korea.

We were assured that a pregnancy would not jeopardize Theo’s adoption. Since my husband and I were both 38, we felt that we had to pursue having a biological child if we were going to have any real chance at conceiving. I was concerned about the impact the termination had had on my body. A friend who had lost a late-term pregnancy told me that she used acupuncture as a means of helping the uterus to heal. I started researching acupuncture on the internet. Jane Gregorie’s name popped up and I left a message at her office. She returned my call within the hour and we talked for at least 45 minutes. I explained what had happened with our first pregnancy and she really listened. I started treatments right away. The first goal was to make sure I healed appropriately; the second was to try and get pregnant again.

I am convinced that Jane’s treatments helped me heal completely after the termination. I am also convinced that the treatments resulted in my getting pregnant again in late December 2007. My doctors have joked that I have “unexplained fertility” but I am sure that acupuncture is the reason for our success. The second pregnancy was smooth. I gave birth to a full-term, healthy baby boy a few days short of my 39th birthday. Little Eli is now a chubby, happy one year old who is delighted with his older siblings, Hannah and Theo.

I am still amazed that we have journeyed from infertility through an adoption, a painful loss, another adoption and a birth to the end result of our very happy family of five.

- Karin

Premature Ovarian Failure

When I began to have irregular periods at age 34, I knew my husband and I were going to have trouble conceiving. We are both physicians, and quickly understood the biology and the potential problems ahead, but I didn't realize just how difficult the journey would be. It took over a year to get the full picture of what was going on with my body, and I received four different diagnoses contributing to my infertility. The most significant obstacle was premature ovarian failure - my ovaries just weren't producing hormones the way they should anymore. We knew we were going to need to try IVF, and we needed every advantage to make it work. The odds of success were very low. I started seeing Jane almost a year before we started the IVF cycle. She took in the whole picture of what we were going through, and she designed a treatment plan to supplement the IVF treatments we were going to receive. The IVF cycle was very tough, as I received increasing doses of stimulation drugs to get my ovaries to respond. Based on the number of eggs we were getting and the high doses of medication to get there, we didn't think the cycle was going to be successful. Unbelievably, it worked, and I became pregnant on that first IVF cycle.

The combination of acupuncture and conventional medicine worked perfectly for us, and I suspect that without Jane's treatments, IVF would not have been successful. We now have a beautiful 8-month-old baby girl.

- Wendy

Stage IV Endometriosis

I was diagnosed with Stage IV Endometriosis when I was 18 years old. Discovered by accident, I was taken to emergency surgery and had 12 pounds of growth removed. I was told I would never have children because even if they could save both ovaries, they would be left damaged. Still, I did not want to have a total hysterectomy and begged the doctors to do whatever they could. Luckily, both ovaries were saved but I had a long road ahead. After the procedure, I was treated with Lupron to induce a menopause-like state for one year to see if my system would heal and recover. A year later I had another surgery to remove additional growth, followed with five years of hormone therapy.

In December of 2005, I met the man who later became my husband. We were married in August of 2007 and as soon as we were home from the honeymoon, I came off my hormones and we started trying for a baby. This was a much more difficult task than I had anticipated. My cycles were irregular, sometimes lasting up to 42 days, and very painful. I was watching my diet, exercising, taking vitamins, etc. However, the stress that comes with trying to have children, along with the heartbreak of every negative home pregnancy test was starting to take its toll on me emotionally.

My fertility specialist had recommended acupuncture saying that many of her patients found it helpful to their success. I started seeing Jane in January of 2008. I was a little skeptical, mainly because I am not a huge fan of needles, but I was so relieved after my initial assessment. I felt so comforted and very surprised that there was no pain associated with my treatment. I will never forget one of the first things Jane said to me. “I feel like you will carry your own children. You can do this.” It meant the world to me and restored my faith that I would be successful if I had hope and kept trying.

I went to acupuncture every week for a few months and found that not only did it help with my cycles, but it helped me with other aspects that are important to conceiving a child naturally; relaxation, breathing, meditation, symptom control (nausea, constipation, etc.) just to name a few. I really looked forward to my visits with Jane and I was so happy I chose to incorporate TCM with my other efforts to get pregnant.

Finally in August of 2008, we had been trying for one year, we decided to test my husband and we received terrible news. His results were not good, and they did not want me trying naturally anymore related to the potential to grow more damaging endometrial cysts. It was speculated that the two of us had less that a 6% chance of conceiving a child naturally. After consulting with my doctors my husband and I decided that he would take some vitamins and supplements and after 3 months, I would start Clomid and be inseminated. Three months came and went and I wasn’t ready to start Clomid before the holidays fearing it would make me really hormonal and miserable. I decided to wait until January to start the treatment, and just enjoy the holiday season. I nearly gave up all other efforts to get pregnant, stayed distracted, and tried to avoid the sadness that followed me everywhere.

Christmas Eve 2008, I hadn’t been feeling well for weeks. I didn’t think much of is, as feeling crummy was something I had grown accustomed to. My cycles were nothing if not unpredictable and I was so ready to start Clomid and make this baby happen. However, something was stopping me. Out of sheer morbid curiosity, I woke up that morning to get ready for work and took yet another home pregnancy test. I habitually set the pregnancy test on the window sill with no intention to look at it. I could be the poster child for the negative pregnancy test, and history taught me not to sit and watch the stick for that second line to show up. As I was walking away I took one last glance at the test only to see a very dark and noticeable second line! I rubbed my eyes, looked again, and hit the bathroom tile in tears. I woke up my husband and I was shaking so hard I could barely get the words out. I said, “I need to tell you something, I took a pregnancy test just now and it was positive!” He looked at me like I was crazy so I showed him the test and after a double-, and triple-take he started to cry as well. We did it, with patience, persistence, TCM, and the grace of God.

My son was born August 20th, 2009, 7lb 8oz and absolutely perfect. Without the healing effects of acupuncture and the relief that came with it, I think I would have given up long before I ever gave this natural pregnancy a chance. Thanks Jane!

- Nicole M.

Non-Functioning Fallopian Tube

After trying without success to get pregnant on our own for a year, my husband and I decided to see a Denver-area reproductive endocrinologist. A medical procedure showed that one fallopian tube may not be working properly and I was very distraught. For six months I took hormones (Clomid) and had monthly ultrasounds to determine the best possible moment for artificial insemination. When the second insemination didn’t take, I was devastated. I sunk into a depression I had never before experienced in my 34 years of life.

I was seriously contemplating adoption, when on a whim I decided to look into acupuncture. I found Jane Gregorie online and was so thoroughly impressed with her wealth of knowledge and attention to my health history and lifestyle, that I fully placed my trust and fertility hopes into her work. She suggested that I take a break from Western fertility treatments, and after a 45-minute initial evaluation, I began my first treatment. She quickly followed up with a treatment plan to follow at home, and within ONE MONTH I was pregnant!

Now I am the mother of a beautiful 2 year old little girl who is the light of my life and am due with #2 this October! I am so grateful to Jane for her knowledge and thoroughness. Without her, I may never have been able to conceive on my own!

Not only did acupuncture help me attain my dream of becoming pregnant, it is also an intensely relaxing treatment that truly helps all of your body’s systems function optimally. If I could, I would receive acupuncture weekly!

- Angie

Asherman's Syndrome

Following a very easy and quick conception and a healthy pregnancy, my OBGYN performed an emergency c-section because there were signs of fetal distress during labor. My son’s cord was wrapped around his neck, but he was safely and successfully delivered via a straightforward c-section procedure.

As this was my first pregnancy, I didn’t realize what followed was unusual. I knew that recovery would be slower from the c-section than if I had delivered vaginally. But I was given very little guidance from my doctor on what to look for or be concerned about post-op. I even called the office when I experienced a high fever and chills when I got home but was told not to worry about it. The bleeding post delivery was heavy and the clotting fairly large. My recovery was extremely slow and painful and took several months.

I nursed my son for 17 months and my periods never resumed. I was told that it was from the breast feeding and that they would resume up to six months after I stopped. On my son’s second birthday I went back to the doctor to see why I still wasn’t getting a period. I was experiencing the tiniest bit of stringy dark discharge about every 28 days. The doctor suggested I try Clomid to regulate my cycle if I wanted to try to conceive again. That didn’t feel like the right response to me, and so I sought a second opinion and started looking into alternative therapies such as acupuncture and uterine massage.

My new ObGyn ordered fertility tests and found all of my hormone levels were normal, my egg quality was high and I seemed to be ovulating. I had found information about Asherman’s online but it seemed such an unlikely diagnosis given my history. My doctor did order an HSG test to rule it out and everyone was surprised when there was absolutely no fill of my uterine cavity. A hysteroscopy and laparoscopy was scheduled with a reproductive endocrinologist for what he assumed would be a mild case of AS with some scarring near my c-section incision. But the RE found my uterus to be almost completely sealed with scarring and my fallopian tubes were not functioning. I had the most severe of Asherman’s. The doctor who performed the surgery said that I should consider adoption or surrogacy.

Again, I sought a second opinion and the next surgeon said that he felt that he could reopen the uterus and remove the scar tissue from in front of my tubes. He had seen similar cases before, and although rare, they were caused when the walls of the uterus were sutured together following a c-section. This second RE reopened my uterus six months after my first procedure (3.5 years after my c-section) and one fallopian tube was functional.

I continued with a combination of alternative and Western medicine treatments. My doctors gave me very low odds for conceiving, and the acupuncture, yoga and herbs kept me focused and positive in light of that. The alternative therapies not only insured that my body was in optimum health for the surgeries, but also kept my mental health strong. I knew given my age and condition that I would have to do everything that I possibly could to get my body back into shape for pregnancy. I had three uterine surgeries in total over a one year period. I had weekly acupuncture and took herbs throughout (except for abstaining from herbs the week leading up to surgeries).

Following the third and final surgery my husband and I were encouraged to try and conceive as soon as possible in the event that there might be some re-scarring. In spite of my age (39 years) and having one functioning fallopian tube, we conceived that first month.

We received a lot of discouraging feedback from doctors along the path to recovery. But we always believed that this would be something that would happen for us.

- J.F.

Internal Balance

We tried unsuccessfully to have children for nearly ten years. During that time, we tried nearly every means of "traditional" medicine without result. As any woman who has been through infertility issues knows, it was one of the darkest times of my life. I was sick of trying procedures that just didn’t seem natural. I finally learned of Jane's work through a family member and decided to give it one last try using acupuncture. Within three months, I was pregnant and we now have a beautiful six month old daughter, Emma. Is acupuncture a guarantee of fertility? Of course not. But I do believe that it provided my body what it needed for me to become pregnant and Jane's care, concern and professionalism only made our experience that much better. I've since recommended Jane to several other women facing infertility issues with a new found confidence in "alternative" medicines.

- TNT

Lifestyle Balance

I was coming to Jane for weekly acupuncture treatments up until the Holidays in December. On Jan. 2 my husband and I were blessed with some amazing news - we are expecting! We kept it quiet for the first trimester because it took us so long to get pregnant. We just wanted to make sure everything went ok. And it did- in fact, today we found out we are having a girl! Our due date is Aug. 30.

We attribute our ability to get pregnant naturally to three factors: the hysteroscopy I had in September, going off allegra-d per Jane’s suggestion, and OF COURSE weekly acupuncture treatments with Jane! After I started seeing her, we were pregnant within two months. SO- I will be back when we start trying for baby #2!

- Heather

PCOS - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

My husband and I decided to start trying to conceive in Summer 2007. I went off of the pill, and several months later my period had still not resumed. I went to my OB, who did a fertility workup and diagnosed me with PCOS. She wanted to put me on a steroid to lower my testosterone, which she said would balance out my hormones and allow me to ovulate again. Skeptical of going down this path, I started searching for alternative ways to heal my body. I found Jane online and was very impressed with her website and credentials. I scheduled an initial consultation with her and found the treatment to be very relaxing. I went through six months of treatments with Jane, never giving up hope that my body was rebalancing itself and that my cycles would soon resume. In that time under her care, I felt better physically and mentally, and was grateful for the support and compassion that she provided. Jane answered all of my questions, and even helped me find a good reproductive endocrinologist for further testing and treatment.

In Spring of 2008, my husband and I decided on a whim to take a trip to Paris. We booked our trip for the end of April, and determined that I would start Clomid as the next course of action. Toward the end of our trip, I felt a cramping on the lower left side of my abdomen. I had been trying for several months to get in tune with my body’s signals, and wondered if I could have possibly ovulated. Back at home, I resumed charting my basal body temperatures and found them to be consistently high. I waited for several days and tried a digital home pregnancy test. I honestly did not anticipate a positive reading—I had not even had one cycle since going off the pill. I waited the two minutes, glanced at the stick, and was completely astounded to read “PREGNANT”. I ran outside to show my husband, who was working on our house. We both looked at the test in awe and started to cry. We were thrilled beyond belief! I called Jane a few days later to share my news and she was elated. I decided to keep receiving treatments every other week through the first trimester to help prevent against miscarriage.

I am thrilled to say that we are now proud parents to a baby boy who is the light of our lives. I know that the months of acupuncture with Jane were instrumental in my body healing itself and allowing me to finally ovulate. Jane truly has a gift, and her practice is a blessing. I am so very thankful to have found her, and have since recommended her to several friends and other women who are also experiencing fertility challenges.

- S.G.

Unexplained Infertility

While tying to get pregnant unsuccessfully for the first time, we were confronted with the word "infertility". Whatever the Dr. said to me after that was a blur, and I ended up on Clomid. I wasn't too excited about having to take fertility drugs, but would do anything that would help achieve pregnancy.

I decided to look into alternative treatments and stumbled onto Jane's website. After reading the testimonials, I decided to call her. What immediately struck me on our first meeting was how much time she spent just talking with me. She helped me understand what was happening with my body.I was expecting a quick consult as I had experienced at the doctor’s office. I felt like we really connected and that she was genuinely determined to help us succeed. After about two months, we found out that I was pregnant. Jane continued to check on us and was one of the first to receive pictures of our perfect baby girl.

Several years later, we were ready to expand our family. I had ended up on total bed rest for the last ten weeks of my first pregnancy. With fear of fertility challenges again and the thought of potential bed rest with a toddler running around, I decided to consult with Jane again. We successfully added another daughter to our family without the need for fertility treatments or bed rest. We truly feel blessed to have shared our journey with Jane!

- H.L.

PCOS - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and therefore do not have regular menstrual cycles on my own and do not ovulate. In fact, I’ll often go 6 months without a cycle and even those are likely anovulatory. When my husband and I decided to try to have a baby, I was 31 and he was 29. I bought the book “Taking Charge of Your Fertility” and we had no problem getting pregnant with the help of my reproductive endocrinologist and Western medicine. I was put on Clomid and Femara and, although it required fairly high doses, each time I ovulated we got pregnant.

The first pregnancy was a tubal ectopic so I had to have shots of methotrexate and wait 3 months to try again. With the second pregnancy I had 3 of 4 follicles implant (triplets!) and suffered ovarian hyperstimulation causing some of the worst pain of my life and another trip to the emergency room. One by one, each little heartbeat stopped and I decided I had to find a way to combat my miscarriages because Western practitioners could only recommend a large battery of tests with a hefty price tag and no guarantees. I felt as though I was trying to push my body into something it just wasn’t ready to handle.

I had also been reading “The Infertility Cure” by Randine Lewis and wanted to try the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach to my issues. I committed to taking 3 months off from actively trying to conceive to get my body in balance so I could sustain a healthy pregnancy. I knew that Jane had worked with Randine and that she specialized in TCM for fertility so I made an appointment. She was so knowledgeable and had a lot of experience working with women undergoing mainstream fertility treatments. I immediately felt comfortable with Jane and she listened to what I had to say about my own body. Within 1 week of taking her “crazy Chinese herbs,” as I liked to teasingly refer to them, I had a period! There was definitely something to this Chinese medicine thing… I saw Jane once a week for acupuncture, continued taking the herbs she prescribed, and began having 40 day menstrual cycles! After only 3 months of treatment I was again prescribed Clomid to help me ovulate earlier in the cycle - this time from my OBGYN at a well-check. I took the Clomid and herbs in conjunction and this third time around I was able to ovulate on day 16 on a lower dose and there were no side effects and no follicle-monitoring ultrasounds. I continued getting acupuncture treatments from Jane every other week throughout my first trimester.

I now sit in our living room as I type, listening to our 13 week-old daughter coo in her swing. I am so thankful to Jane for her expertise, encouragement, and help to us in starting a family. Some may say the third time’s a charm, but we know the truth.

- R.R.

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Jane and Merry really helped me feel better after the miscarriages I had experienced and gave me hope for a successful pregnancy. C. was born on July 30th and was 8 lbs. 1.5oz. at 39 weeks! I had a repeat c-section and they also removed a dermoid cyst on my ovary which was benign. C. is a really good baby and O. has adjusted pretty well to being a big brother. Thanks to Jane and Merry for your knowledge and kindness!

- S.G.

Lifestyle Balance

I started seeing Jane at Acupuncture Denver after trying to conceive during the last five years without success. The months and years of taking fertility drugs, going through IUI, and enduring tests, only to be told that my infertility was "unexplained" had taken it's toll. Before deciding to try IVF or look at adoption options, a friend going through a similar experience suggested acupuncture. I had nothing to lose and was willing to try an alternative to conventional medicine. From the first time I met Jane, I knew I was in good hands. She struck a perfect balance of professionalism and compassion. She was confident but did not over-promise. Most of all, after our first meeting, Jane gave me the sense that even if my treatment did not lead to conceiving, I was taking a step to bringing back balance in my life. I had become consumed with "getting pregnant." It was time to let go of that singular focus and let life take its course. After one month of treatment, I became pregnant! My husband and I were happy and in disbelief! I continued acupuncture treatment through my seventh month of pregnancy. We are now parents to a beautiful and healthy baby boy. I feel very lucky to have found Jane and can't thank her enough for the treatment and care I received.

- K.F.

The Infertility Cure

Like many people struggling with infertility, our journey was long, frustrating, disappointing, and heartbreaking. We wanted to start our family at a young age -- we were both healthy, fit, active, led a very healthy lifestyle and never imagined there would be any problems. We both were driven, self motivated, successful people and always had the philosophy that there was nothing we could not accomplish with some hard work and dedication but for the first time in our lives felt like complete failures. We had 8 years of frustration, various and numerous disappointing experiences with the medical field, horrible reactions to medications, and battles with depression. We were blessed with a loving, strong, devoted marriage and had never had anything test us quite like this journey. But it was not until after a heartbreaking miscarriage after 8 years of trying that really put us on the path towards Jane.

Shortly after my miscarriage, through much obsessive research on everything relating to infertility, I found and read the book The Infertility Cure by Randine Lewis and wanting to find a local practitioner who used the methods in the book and found Jane's name through the website recommended in the book.

From the first time we talked on the phone I felt so good about Jane, her care, and her expertise. After our first evaluation with her my husband and I, for the first time in years, felt encouraged and we finally had hope and confidence in a treatment that offered a similar wellness philosophy that we had always believed so strongly in. We live about 3.5 hours from Jane's office but felt like it was the right path for us so we were not able to make weekly trips for our appointments but between making the drive every 2 weeks to see her and her guidance with our local acupuncturist we were able to continue our treatment plan. Through the acupuncture, herbs, and her recommendations on diet and lifestyle, I saw wonderful improvements in my cycle, sleep, and stress management. At 31, I had never know what a 'normal' period could be like and was now having more regular periods with much less pain, no more night sweats, much less severe PMS, and much better sleep .

After seeing Jane for almost a year we still were not pregnant and she recommended we might need to have some further testing and evaluation done -- she referred us to an excellent MD and after going through numerous specific tests, the MD told us that due to a condition with my husband's sperm that our only option to conceive would be through IVF and ICSI. So after much prayer we decided we would probably proceed but we did decide to postpone any treatments for several months, regroup, and just try to enjoy life again. We knew we wanted to continue our acupuncture treatments to help with the success of the IVF and Jane was so supportive and helpful and agreed to do whatever she could to help us.

However, about 6 weeks after our consult with the MD we found out we were pregnant! And shortly after this amazing news one of Jane's comments to me came back into my mind-- I had asked her if there was anything else we could do to help with our fertility and her comment was, "Sometimes the best thing is not in the doing, but in the letting go" and her words had such wisdom!! I am now 33 years old and we are now 32 weeks pregnant. I have had a wonderful, healthy pregnancy and we are so excited about meeting our precious gift from God. We have been both overwhelmed and humbled that our dream to have a child has finally been fulfilled, that we got to conceive naturally and that we are going to get to bring this child into the world in the way we always wanted. We feel so blessed that our path led to Jane -- we feel very certain that we would not be pregnant right now if not for meeting her.

- S.W.

Low AMH

My husband and I conceived our first daughter within a month or two of stopping birth control. It was so easy that I just assumed I was “fertile myrtle” like my great grandmother who had conceived for the first time at age 45. When we began trying for baby number two, I was 32 years old and my daughter was 18 months old. Three months of trying was fun, six months warranted my first chat with my OB, and a year marked my first surgery to diagnosis and treat mild endometriosis. I was convinced the surgery would fix the problem, but I was still dealing with infertility almost two years later.

My OB ran the typical tests and assured me that everything was normal except for the endometriosis. The nurses downplayed the importance of my AMH level, which was 0.2. I was suspicious and googled “low AMH”, which led to a week of uncontrolled sobbing. Apparently, my AMH level was more like a fertility death sentence in the eyes of western medicine. My number signaled major problems with my ovarian reserve, or the quantity and possibly the quality of my remaining eggs. I let the doctor and nurses convince me that a little bit of Clomid would do the trick, and I tried 3 cycles with Clomid and IUIs, all of which failed.

During this time, I started treatments at Acupuncture Denver. Whereas my trips to the doctor were stressful and depressing, my time with Jane and Merry was therapeutic and gave me a sense of control that I desperately needed. I improved my diet, began exercising more and overall felt better than I ever had. I firmly believe that the weekly acupuncture treatments improved my fertility. With my nearly undetectable AMH level, my RE told me that he would expect to see only 2-3 antral follicles on my scan. He was surprised when my scans were always between 8-13 follicles. When I was successful and conceived with injectables and IUI, he was surprised again that someone who had hormone levels more like those of a 45 year old would respond so well to the medication and have a successful first attempt. I didn’t need progesterone support to maintain the pregnancy, as he said I most likely would, and I am now 32 weeks pregnant and have had a healthy pregnancy. It took 3 years to achieve, but I finally beat the odds.

Jane and Merry helped me keep my sanity during the roller coaster ride that is infertility. They’ve done more than help me achieve a pregnancy. They taught me that my mental and physical health are more important than a number on a lab report. They helped me realize that my AMH level was only one piece of the puzzle, and that by taking a more proactive role in my health, I had a much better chance of beating the odds and conceiving again.

- K.C.

PCOS - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

I just wanted to write you a quick e-mail to give you an update on my life and to thank you so much for everything that you did for me and my family. If you recall, I saw you several times last summer for my irregular periods and diagnosis of PCOS. When I began seeing you, I was pretty hopeless that my husband and I would be able to start a family, as my periods were so irregular. My doctor's only solution was to take clomid, which I was reluctant to do after a close friend took the drug and had twins. It seemed like there should be a way to address the underlying cause of my irregular periods rather than to simply take drugs to make me ovulate more. I found your treatments to be so relaxing and beneficial, and always looked forward to you supportive counsel.

After seeing you for a couple of months, my husband and I were overjoyed to find out in August that we were expecting. After a textbook pregnancy, Isaac was born on April 16. He's a sweet little guy with a great disposition and is taking it pretty easy on us! We're so happy to be family of three.

Thanks so much for everything that you did for us!

- E.D.

Unexplained Infertility

When my husband and I began trying to conceive we assumed it would be easy. After all the years of trying not to have a baby, we now wanted to grow our family. After about a year of no success and growing heartache we decided we needed to do more. I began seeing a fertility specialist and through a second year of "unexplained infertility" we still didn't have any answers. During this time Jane and Acupuncture Denver gave me a place to relax, open up, cry and breathe. Jane seemed like a friend I had known a long time, and her practical and genuine nature helped me see an alternative to sadness. My husband and I then tried an IUI, which worked but ended in miscarriage. Through five more IUI's we endured failure and an ectopic pregnancy. Then on the sixth attempt, along with Jane's acupuncture and herbal help, dietary changes and lots of yoga, we achieved a successful, healthy pregnancy. I am now 37 weeks and gratefully anticipating the arrival of our son or daughter! Going through this process has been a growing experience for my husband and me. In hindsight we can say that it was the way it was meant to be. But Jane helped more than she could even know, especially during those dark days on the way to the light.

- D.M.

Low AMH and One Fallopian Tube

At just over 17 weeks pregnant, I now feel I can write a review on my experience! At 37 years old, with only my left fallopian tube, finding out I had an AMH level of less than 0.16 and after months of no success with Clomid or Letrozole and IUI's it was time to look at alternatives. I got on the internet and started my homework, I tried questionable Chinese teas, started on a self-prescribed course of DHEA, daily Royal Jelly and even Castor Oil packs! I have a family history of Celiac disease, so although I test negative, I also went totally gluten free, no cheating this time. After a few months, my AMH level improved slightly to 0.25! I was so excited, until I was told by doctors that was in the error range of the test :( So now it was time to look further afield. I started to look at diet, and bought "The Infertility Cure" by Dr. Randine Lewis. This was my turning point, after less than an hour of reading I was hooked and back online researching acupuncture facilities in Denver!

I came across Acupuncture Denver, and Jane Gregorie. Looking at Jane's biography I saw that she had worked closely with Dr. Lewis, and that was all I needed, it was late so I emailed them and within hours I had a response. We spoke the next day and I set up my first appointment on 8/21/13. At the time of my first acupuncture session I was still on Clomid, my plan was to stay on medication until my IVF appointment in December. One of the first things I remember Jane saying to me was "Get off the Clomid, you are going to wear out your ovaries!". That was my last attempt with Clomid or Letrozol. No one had ever really put it like that to me, and it was a wakeup call after a year of medication. So, no more medication, I went on a weekly course of acupuncture, and Jane started me off on some supplements. I also stayed on the DHEA and Royal Jelly, and maintained my Gluten Free diet. Honestly, I don't know if I really believed in what I was doing, but was willing to try anything! Jump forward 8 weeks and I had just signed up for Fertility Yoga. I was out of town on a work trip and started to feel "funny". The odd sharp pain in my abdomen, and tired, so tired. When I got back to Denver I took a pregnancy test, maybe the 40th test in the last 12 months. Sitting there at 9pm on October 25th waiting for the result, I expected the usual. I didn't get the usual - I got POSITIVE! I got PREGNANT! I couldn't believe it. I also couldn't believe I took it at 9pm on a Friday. No sleep for me that night :) The first few months it was nothing but worry, I continued my acupuncture and had multiple ultrasounds. But now I feel like I can celebrate, I can let you all know how great Jane and her team are! I can start believing that I am going to have a baby!

So to finish - Now I believe. Now I recommend acupuncture to everyone I talk to. If that's not enough for you - A few weeks ago I went in for my appointment and I had a crick in my neck, Jane suggested we focus on that area - it was gone the next day!

- L.C.

IVF Outcomes Improved

I visited Acupuncture Denver in 2013 to help me with two egg retrieval procedures. Before that, I had one retrieval in late 2012, and though I had 13 active follicles, that first retrieval yielded only 9 eggs, 3 of which were mature, and 2 of which fertilized. Combined with a change in stim meds protocol, with four weeks of acupuncture treatments, my second retrieval yielded 15 eggs, 12 of which were mature, and 10 of which fertilized. An improvement of 500%! I was able to do 12 weeks of acupuncture treatments for my third retrieval, which yielded 17 eggs, 12 of which were mature, and 10 of which fertilized. Of the 22 total, 12 lived to blastocyst stage, and 4 of those passed genetic testing – one from the first cycle, one from the second, and two from the third. Clearly, the more acupuncture treatments, greater the quantity and quality produced. We are looking forward to doing successful embryo transfers with the assistance of Acupuncture Denver!

Jane, Merry, and staff are fantastic at what they do. Not just in terms of technical skills, but also, they provide such an ambience of support and empathy. As a fertility patient I think this is of utmost importance, and I felt blessed to find such a sensitive and caring practice. I had never tried acupuncture before so this was a wonderful introduction to how good it can make you feel and how healthy it is for the mind-body-spirit connection. When you first arrive you are offered tea or water, which is lovely. I especially love the Rose Petal. They are never behind schedule, but also never in a hurry, so you always get to go in on time, and you never feel rushed. Once in the treatment room, the visit begins with a discussion about how you have been feeling in the interim since your last appointment. They are very interested in knowing whatever you have to say and they keep notes from visit to visit. When it’s time to begin they explain everything to you before they do it, so there are no surprises. The needles go in and you begin to feel relaxed. They rarely are uncomfortable, but when that happens they are moved right away. Then the music or meditation CD comes on and you drift off peacefully. I would highly recommend Acupuncture Denver, without any reservation.

- J.P.

Fertility Success Times Two

When I first went to see Jane in 2008, I was 28 and had been trying to get pregnant for four years. My husband and I were diagnosed with unexplained infertility. We tried IUI a couple of times but didn’t get much further than that before I noticed my confidence and attitude start to plummet. I decided to try healthier approach than taking Clomid and stressing over IUI.At first I didn’t like going to acupuncture but after a couple of weeks I started to feel overwhelmingly better even though I wasn’t pregnant yet. The stress and depression I was experiencing at the time was excruciating and the sadness consumed me. Having relief from that pain was worth every penny and just a few months later I was finally pregnant. That was a good day.

After my beautiful daughter arrived I knew I shouldn’t assume the problem was fixed. If the first baby took five years the second could take just as long. And I’m not getting any younger! So after another year and a half of trying for the second baby I went back to Jane. Within three months I was pregnant again.

I also referred two of my friends to Jane and they both have babies now.

I still schedule treatments with Jane because I notice that when I go to acupuncture I handle stress better, my memory is better, I have more patience and I’m just overall more grounded. I absolutely love everything about Acupuncture Denver-- the office is clean, comfortable and the staff is consistently friendly and compassionate. So, basically, what I’m saying is this stuff really works and I’ll never go anywhere else for acupuncture. Thank you Jane!!!